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Key facts
- Distance
- 12 km loop
- Walking time
- 6 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- North Egmont area / Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
A great all day hike for those wanting both an alpine and forest experience.
This DOC directory entry covers Kōkōwai Track round trip in Taranaki, within North Egmont area / Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 12 km loop
- Walking time: 6 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the visitor centre, follow the Holly Hut Track through subalpine scenery to the junction with the Kōkōwai Track, just past the Boomerang Slip.
Descend the Kōkōwai Track through forest to where it joins the Kaiauai Track. Turn right to head toward Egmont Road.
Return to the visitor centre via the Ram Track (longer and overgrown in places) or by walking up the road.
Getting there
The track starts at the North Egmont Visitor Centre.
To get there, head 13 km south from New Plymouth to Egmont Village. Turn off SH3 on to Egmont Road and follow it for 16 km to the end. The visitor centre is signposted from the junction.
Know before you go
The upper part of this track is very exposed and not recommended for winter use unless you are equipped with an ice axe and crampons.
Take care crossing the active Boomerang Slip. It is recommended that you cross one person at a time.
Some sections of the Kōkōwai Track have steep drop offs.
Track conditions
This track has overgrown sections and can be hard to navigate. There may be fallen trees.
Be prepared for changeable weather
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
